As your fingers instinctively scroll across the electronic screen, endlessly pumping information and quixotic data, you notice an engrossing pattern of overconsumption. Whether it be a TikTok of the latest fashion in style with enthusiasm about new trends or an Instagram reel that idealistically showcases a Shein haul, it seems prodigality has contrived itself into our lives. This direction has shown to be devastatingly unsustainable and socially harmful as we see the effects of child labor and exploitative practices, yet the rest of the world turns a blind eye every time. Society has deemed money-grubbing mass production as not immoral, but rather a norm, something that we should always expect, creating a desensitization of existential risks and structural violence.
Today’s advanced technology has been amalgamated into our experiences. Every day, a bombardment of thousands of fresh trends emerges, infiltrating thoughts and beguiling us into an addiction to always keeping up with the newest sensation. The viral cheetah print, denim skirts, ballet shoes, “clean girl” makeup, Y2K fashion, what’s next? This endless craze creates constant pressure for viewers to attune themselves to the ever-changing current zeitgeist. It seems that humans have been moving at a rapid pace, becoming fixated and almost addicted to this erratic lifestyle that has desecrated the environment and infringed on human rights. Accounting for 10% of global carbon emissions, the fashion industry has the second most polluting activity, with the first being the oil sector. As clothing is swiftly produced through a continuously accelerated manufacturing process, a copious amount of synthetic materials and toxic chemicals are utilized, expelling toxicity into the landscape. As a consequence, these low-quality garments are discarded as quickly as they were made, leaving a myriad of pernicious landfills that devastate our ecosystems. Moreover, it is not simply our surroundings that are harmed. Companies have outsourced and offshored their facilities to developing countries, where wages have plummeted to excessively low levels, and contractors view children as “business opportunities.” Human rights are especially vulnerable due to developing countries lacking strong regulations and controls, forcing children to tirelessly endure 14 to 16-hour work days. They are stripped of their childhood, education, and any opportunity to escape from their harsh circumstances. This system can be compared to a hierarchy that exclusively benefits the rich, where there is always an asymmetrical relationship that creates a divide between the wealthy and the impoverished.
The reality is, that this is not something that can straightforwardly be resolved; in fact, the answers can be traced to psychology. Dr. Dion Terrelonge, a fashion psychologist has previously stated in the past, “Feeling is stronger than knowing.” Though the nature of fast fashion has inexplicably damaged our world, the instant gratification from receiving a coveted item seems to substantially outweigh our minds. “The cheap prices of fast fashion service have led to ignorance.” Said freshman Diya Benny at The Village School. “I have many friends who buy these things just because of their prices and do not care for the insurmountable pieces of evidence that show they cause harm.” It is clear these cognitive factors are heightened as fast fashion articles are significantly cheaper than sustainable clothing, ensuring universal access to looking your best. Its rapid production promotes inclusivity for shoppers and encourages purchases as products become practical due to affordability. This allows for participation in emerging styles and caters to people’s desire to assimilate with others.
The point of contention demonstrates that by providing individuals an economical way to self-express, keep up, and pair with the sensation of pleasure, fast fashion’s benefits can paper over the violence it produces. This facet of behavior and thought process is inherently problematic as a disconnect is created between victims and the consumers, blurring the lines between what is ethical and what is immoral. These situations create environments where laborers who are taken advantage of are disregarded, leaving them and their families stuck in an endless cycle of deprivation as flashy items continue to be promoted and manufactured. Through the prioritization of personal gains and pleasure, people feed into the same imperialistic structure that benefits from their expense, where those with riches can live lavish lives with the profits relied on from the oppressed.
Fashion tells a tale of ignorance, a refusal to evade responsibility, and most importantly, a perpetuation of an apathetic society. Here at The Village School, students are fortunate enough to attend a private school with many means and opportunities provided. This means it is especially necessary to recognize these privileges and strive toward an equal society to prepare students to become responsible and compassionate individuals. Maybe the next time you click order on your Shein cart, you should instead deliberate about the cheated hands that assembled your clothes, the hands that can never adopt a form of resistance from a rapaciously fascist system unless we begin with recognition; society must acknowledge and hold accountable the structures of the wealthy and the dispossessed.
Resources
Baruta, C. (2021, September 21). The Detrimental Effects Of Fast-Fashion On Children’s Rights. Humanium. https://www.humanium.org/en/the-detrimental-effects-of-fast-fashion-on-childrens-rights/
Blakemore, E. (2024, July 25). Do you have “eyebrow blindness”? Here’s what’s behind the trend. Science. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/why-do-we-follow-trends-even-when-theyre-bad-for-us
Hayes, A. (2024, June 29). Fast Fashion Explained and How It Impacts Retail Manufacturing. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fast-fashion.asp
Sierra, B. (2023). The Psychology of Fast Fashion: Exploring the Complex Emotions That Fast Fashion Evokes in Consumers. The Sustainable Fashion Forum. https://www.thesustainablefashionforum.com/pages/the-psychology-of-fast-fashion-exploring-the-complex-emotions-fast-fashion-evokes-in-consumers
